Women's Diamond Necklaces

On most women, a 16 inch necklace sits just above the collarbone, 18 inches rests on it and 20 inches falls just below. A pendant adds its own drop, so an 18 inch chain with a pendant lands slightly lower. If you are buying a gift and do not know her size, 18 inches is the safe pick: it works with nearly every neckline. Petite frames may prefer 16; taller frames or high necklines suit 20. The women's necklace length guide covers chokers to long layers.

These necklaces use small round brilliant diamonds, listed by total carat weight. At this size, cut and setting decide the sparkle more than any single grade. Pavé and halo settings make a group of small stones glow as one shape. GIA's 4Cs still apply: cut, color, clarity and carat. Several pieces pair diamonds with a colored evil eye or blue stones, and the description says so. More in the diamond necklaces guide.

Every one of these comes in all three gold colors at the same price. Yellow suits warm skin tones and pairs with yellow gold watches and rings. White makes diamonds look the iciest and matches silver-tone pieces. Rose gold reads soft and modern and flatters most skin tones. If she wears one metal every day, match it. If you are not sure, look at the ring she wears most.

All 22 are 14K gold, 58.3 percent pure, which holds small diamonds securely and wears well every day. For larger, fully set pieces, see the lab-grown house necklaces at lab diamond necklaces. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and US rules require the origin to be disclosed.

For each of these, the 18 inch length is the safe default, and you can pick the gold color she wears most. If she wears a ring every day, match its metal.

Sizing her neck without asking is easier than it sounds. Borrow a necklace she wears often, lay it flat with the clasp closed and measure end to end. If that is not possible, go 18 inches. These pieces are light, between 0.14 and 0.41 carats of diamonds in 14K gold, so they are comfortable to sleep in and easy to wear every day, which is what most women want from a gift necklace. The evil eye and hamsa pieces are especially popular in Miami, where those symbols are part of many families.

Layer at 16 and 18 inches, or 18 and 20, with the bigger piece lower. Pair a diamond pendant with a plain gold chain for contrast. For gift ideas, see jewelry gifts for her, Mother's Day jewelry and push present jewelry. Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush behind the stones, and store clasped so fine chains do not knot. Every order ships insured; all sales are final, with a 7-day window for manufacturing defects. See more at women's jewelry and necklaces, or visit the showroom at 7900 NW 27th Ave, Unit 506, Miami FL 33147.